Item Details

Samsara: Death and Rebirth in Cambodia

Ellen Bruno; Bruno, Ellen; Kanopy (Firm)

Format

Video; Streaming Video; Online

Summary

Samsara: (Sanskrit) Perpetual repetition of birth and death from the past through the present to the future, through six illusory realms: Hell, Hungry Spirits, Animals, Fighting Spirits, Man and Heaven. Samsara documents the struggle of the Cambodian people to rebuild a shattered society in a climate of war and with limited resources. Ancient prophecy Buddhist teachings, and folklore provide a context for understanding the Cambodian tragedy, bringing a humanistic perspective to a country in deep political turmoil. Samsara moves at a deliberate, reflective and sometimes dreamlike pace. Meditative voices intermingle descriptions of the mundane realities of daily life in war-torn Cambodia with the enduring spiritual and philosophical beliefs of the Khmer people. The music and stunning photography enhance the narrative and evoke an awesome respect for these people who persevere — though they have been tested to the limits of human endurance.

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Samsara: (Sanskrit) Perpetual repetition of birth and death from the past through the present to the future, through six illusory realms: Hell, Hungry Spirits, Animals, Fighting Spirits, Man and Heaven. Samsara documents the struggle of the Cambodian people to rebuild a shattered society in a climate of war and with limited resources. Ancient prophecy Buddhist teachings, and folklore provide a context for understanding the Cambodian tragedy, bringing a humanistic perspective to a country in deep political turmoil. Samsara moves at a deliberate, reflective and sometimes dreamlike pace. Meditative voices intermingle descriptions of the mundane realities of daily life in war-torn Cambodia with the enduring spiritual and philosophical beliefs of the Khmer people. The music and stunning photography enhance the narrative and evoke an awesome respect for these people who persevere — though they have been tested to the limits of human endurance.